Standard Options

Show sites on a map:

This output provides a map view of the locations of sites with USGS water data that meet the specified Search Criteria. Google Maps are used to provide speed and versatility in a format that is familiar to many users. Instructions for the sites mapper can be found here.

Table of sites:

A list of Sites with their agency code, Site ID, and station name will be displayed in an HTML table. You can select to have the sites grouped by county or by hydrologic unit code. You can also sort the sites by the USGS site number or by the station name.

Scroll list of sites:

A list of sites will be presented in a pick box, allowing you to choose multiple sites and a new output format.

Brief descriptions:

A list of sites with some basic information about each site will be presented. You can then choose which sites you want more information on. Each site has basic information like this:

In addition to the site information, for those searches that are used to locate data, such as streamflow or water-quality data, a table showing the dates of the first and last observation and the total number of observations is displayed.

USGS 15290100 L SUSITNA R NR HOUSTON AK

Matanuska-Susitna Borough County, AlaskaLatitude 61°37‘36", Longitude 149°48‘03" NAD27This site is a Surface Water station.

Period of record

Begin

End

Count

02/12/1972

07/27/1983

4

Site-description information:

Site description information allows you to select specific data fields to be included in either html table, tab separated or xml outputs.

Save file of sites:

All sites that match your criteria will saved in a tab-separated format into a file you specify. You can then use this file on a later retrieval to get data on just the sites you want.

Raw sitefile review (Internal):

Raw dump of all fields in the SITEFILE table for a site -- including fields not displayed to the public.

Data Specific Options

Site Inventory data options

Detailed descriptions with links to available data for each site

If Station manuscript information is available for a site, a link to the data is provided.

HTML table

All sites that match query are presented in an HTML table. The column headers are selectable by a select box.

Tab-separated data file

All sites that match query are presented in a tab-separated data file. The column headers are selectable by a select box. A compressed format is available. Explanation of output codes can be found here. For Compressed file, save the file with a .gz extension.

Streamflow data options

Graph

Graphical image of instantaneous value data. Data can be retrieved in tab-separated format if desired.

Tab-delimited data file

All data that match query are presented in a tab-separated data file. The data can be in various date formats and it can be downloaded in a compressed format.

Graph

Graphical image of daily value data. Data can be retrieved in tab-separated format if desired.

HTML

The selected statistic is shown in an HTML table. The columns are each month, and the rows are each day.

Tab-delimited data file

All data that match query are presented in a tab-separated data file. The data can be in various date formats and it can be downloaded in a compressed format.

Published Peak Streamflow Data

Graph

Graphical image of peak streamflow data. Data can be obtained in other formats.

HTML

Data is output in an HTML table.

Tab-delimited data file

All data that match query are presented in a tab-separated data file. The data can be in various date formats and it can be downloaded in a compressed format.

WATSORE standard format

Data stored in this format is in a "card" format. Thus, data is in a column format and care should be taken to make sure everything is in the correct column.

Columns

Description

1

Card format number. Data is contained in the 3 format

2-16

Station number

17-20

Calendar year -- a 4-digit number representing the actual calendar year of the annual peak streamflow; if columns 21-22 are blank, this field is assumed to be a water year.

21-22

Month -- a 2-digit number representing the month of the annual peak streamflow. For example, March is coded as 03.

23-24

Day -- a 2-digit number in the range 01-31 representing the day of the month of the annual peak streamflow.

25-31

Annual peak streamflow in cubic feet per second -- the value has a decimal point, and significant digits to the right of the decimal point where needed. Whole numbers need no decimal point. Blank fields are interpreted as no data available.

32-43

-- This field contains 1-column fields in which from none to 12 codes can be used. There are a total of 14 single- character codes presently available.

44-51

Gage height associated with annual peak streamflow -- the value is punched with a decimal point, and significant digits to the right of the decimal point where needed. Whole numbers need no decimal point. Blank fields are interpreted as no data available.

52-55

-- four 1-column fields in which none to 4 qualification codes can be used. There are a total of 6 single-character codes presently available.

56-59

"Highest since" year -- a 4-digit number representing the calendar year after which the given peak streamflow (cols. 25-31) is known to be the highest. This year is determined from historic newspaper accounts, local information, or other sources.

60-75

Annual peak gage height information. These columns contain four fields for the annual peak gage height, to be coded if the maximum gage height for the water year is not that associated with the maximum streamflow.

76-80

Blank.

Definitions and terms of peak output

Data Element

Description

Peak flow

The maximum streamflow value for the year.

Gage height

Gage height for the maximum streamflow.

1 - gage height affected by backwater2 - gage height not the maximum for the year*3 - gage height at different site and(or) datum4 - gage height below minimum recordable elevation5 - gage height is an estimate6 - gage datum changed during this year* If code 2 is given here, there should be date and data entries for the maximum annual gage height.

1 - streamflow is a maximum daily average2 - streamflow is an estimate3 - streamflow affected by dam failure4 - streamflow less than indicated value, which is minimum recordable streamflow at this site*5 - streamflow affected to unknown degree by regulation or diversion**6 - streamflow affected by regulation or diversion**7 - streamflow is a historic peak***8 - streamflow actually greater than indicated value9 - streamflow due to snowmelt, hurricane, ice-jam or debris dam breakupA - year of occurrence is unknown or not exactB - month or day of occurrence is unknown or not exactC - all or part of the record affected by urbanization, mining, agricultural changes, channelization, or othersD - base streamflow changed during this yearE - only annual maximum peak available for this year* Code 4 cannot occur simultaneously with codes 1, 2, 3, 7, or 8.**Codes 5 and 6 cannot occur simultaneously.***Code 7 should indicate that the value for the particular year is a historic peak and the particular year occurred before or after the systematic record, or during a break in the systematic record.

Highest since year

Peak streamflow reported is the highest since this year.

Annual peak stage

Maximum stage for the water year.

Peak stage month

Month of peak stage.

Peak stage day

Day of peak stage.

1 - gage height affected by backwater.3- gage height at different site and(or) datum5- gage height is an estimate.6 - gage datum changed during this year

Partial duration peak streamflow(s)

Each peak streamflow less than annual maximum peak streamflow but higher than base streamflow in Site File

1 - streamflow is a maximum daily average2 - streamflow is an estimate3 - streamflow affected by dam failure4 - streamflow less than indicated value, which is minimum recordable streamflow at this site5 - streamflow affected to unknown degree by regulation or diversion6 - streamflow affected by regulation or diversion7 - streamflow is a historic peak8 - streamflow actually greater than indicated value9 - streamflow due to snowmelt, hurricane, ice-jam, or debris dam breakupA - year of occurrence is unknown or not exactB - month or day of occurrence is unknown or not exactC - all or part of the record affected by urbanization, mining, agricultural changes,channelization, or othersD - base streamflow changed during this yearE - only annual maximum peak available for this year

Streamflow Measurement Data

Unused Measurements

Under certain circumstances, a hydrographer may call a field discharge measurement unused. Reasons could include instrument failure, inability to complete the discharge measurement, or the presence of a second measurement made at the same condition on the same day (known as a check measurement). The existence of an unused measurement is shown in the display so as to not leave a gap in the measurement numbering, but the details of the measurement are left blank. Please contact the local water science center for more information on a particular unused measurement.

Graph

Graphical image of streamflow measurement data. Data can be obtained in other formats.

Formatted table

Data is output in an HTML table.

Tab-separated data

All data that match query are presented in a tab-separated data file. The data can be in various date formats and it can be downloaded in a compressed format. The tab-separated output file column names and definitions are shown in the following table.

Site inventory data options

Station manuscript

Station manuscript information. If data is available for a site, a link to the data is available.

HTML

All sites that match query are presented in an HTML table. The column headers are selectable by a select box.

Tab-separated data

All sites that match query are presented in an HTML table. The column headers are selectable by a select box. A compressed format is available.

Groundwater level data options

Graph

Groundwater level data is presented in a gif image.

HTML

Groundwater level data is presented in an HTML table.

Explanation of attribute sl_lev_va - The water level at the site referenced to the specific vertical datum, in feet above the specific vertical datum. Precision can be carried to two decimal places. If the water level is below the referenced vertical datum, the value will be preceded with a minus sign (-). If the site is being pumped, and a head or water level can be determined, a site status code of P and the head or water level will be entered. When a water level referenced to a vertical datum cannot be measured because the site is flowing or pumping and the head is not known, the site is dry, the site is affected by ice, there is an obstruction, the measurement has been discontinued, or the well was destroyed, the water-level field will be left blank and an appropriate site status for water level code will have been recorded. Water Level Referenced to Vertical Datum is conditionally mandatory dependent on the site status entered for the water level.

Explanation of attribute sl_datum_cd domain - The only vertical datums that can be converted on output are NGVD29 (National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929) and NAVD88 (North American Vertical Datum of 1988). NWIS uses the North American Vertical Datum Conversions (VERTCON) of the National Geodetic Survey to convert from NGVD29 to NAVD88 or vice-versa. Conversions to or from other vertical datums are not available.

Code

Name

Explanation

NGVD29

V Datum of 1929

National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929

NAVD88

V Datum of 1988

North American Vertical Datum of 1988

OLDAK

Old Alaska

Old Alaska (Mainland) and Aleutian Island Datum

OLDPR

Old PR & VI

Old Puerto Rico and Virgin Island Datum

HILOCAL

Hawaii Local

Local Hawaiian Datum

GUVD04

Guam Datum

Guam Vertical Datum of 2004

ASVD02

Am Samoa Datum

American Samoa Vertical Datum of 2002

NMVD03

N Marianas Datum

Northern Marianas Vertical Datum of 2003

TIDELOCAL

Tidal Local

Local Tidal Datum

COE1912

COE Datum 1912

U.S. Corps of Engineers datum adjustment 1912

IGLD

Gr Lakes Datum

International Great Lakes Datum

ASLOCAL

*Am Samoa Local

Local American Samoa Datum

GULOCAL

*Guam Local

Local Guam Datum

Tab-separated data

Groundwater data is presented in a tab-separated data file. The data can be in various date formats and it can be downloaded in a compressed format.

Water Quality Sample options

This table summarizes what data are available for a group of related parameters for each selected site.

Restricting by date range

The output of data may be restricted to a specific date range. Leaving this field blank retrieves all available samples.

A time zone datum is associated with each sample date. You may either choose to view the stored time datum for each sample or you may request that all sample times be converted to the Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) datum.

Restricting by value

Search one parameter code's result value based on greater than, less than, greater than or equal to, less than or equal to, or equal to.

If a list of sites was found by requesting sites that include one or more samples using a list of selected requested parameter codes, then output of samples for these sites may be requested using the same list of parameter codes. After the list of sites has been retrieved and listed in one of the output of sites formats, use the back button on your browser. Then select "Only samples that include site selection parameter (Count: xx)". The count value "xx" lists the number of parameter codes you previously requested. Choose the output format (table of data, inventory, tab-separated data) and submit.

To retrieve all samples and results for the period of record for each site found in the site selection step, choose "All samples and all parameters".

To select samples and results that contain one or more parameters from a range of parameter codes entered, choose 'Samples that include one or more of these parameters' and enter a range of parameter codes in the box below. Example of format: 00001-00200. The maximum number of parameter codes that will be retrieved is 200.

Water-quality sample data are presented in an HTML table, with one sample per row. Two output options determine the contents of the output:

default attributes

Default attributes include limited sample-level information and all water-quality results.

expanded attributes

Expanded attributes include an expanded list of sample-level attributes and all water-quality results.

Inventory of water-quality data

A summary of all parameters available for each site is listed and includes the number of available results for each parameter and the date range of data for that parameter.

Two output options are available:

for printing

This format can be used to print a report using your browser print options.

with retrieval

Specific parameters from this summary may be selected for subsequent retrieval of those selected parameters. All output formats are available.

Tab-delimited file

There are multiple output formats available, each with multiple date format options. These files may be viewed in your browser or can be written to your computer desktop. File output can be requested in an uncompressed or compressed format ("zipped"). Output formats available are:

One sample per row with remark codes combined with values

Water-quality sample data are presented in a tab-separated data file. Each row in the file represents one sample. Remark codes may be associated with a result and this code is included with the result, if present. You may choose to include either a default list of attributes or a more complete, expanded list of attributes.

One sample per row with tab-delimiter for remark codes

Water-quality sample data are presented in a tab-separated data file. Each row in the file represents one sample. Remark codes are delimited from the results for each parameter code using a tab delimiter. You may choose to include either a default list of attributes or a more complete, expanded list of attributes.

One result per row

Water-quality sample data are presented in a tab-separated data file. Each row in the file represents one result (parameter). Each sample is typically represented by many result rows. You may choose to include either a default list of attributes or a more complete, expanded list of attributes.

Water-quality samples output

Output-column changes for water-quality results where each row represents one measurement, specified by URL argument: "&qw_sample_wide=0", are summarized in the table below.

Previous version

New version

agency_cd

agency_cd

site_no

site_no

sample_dt

sample_dt

sample_tm

sample_tm

--

sample_end_dt

--

sample_end_tm

--

sample_start_time_datum_cd

--

tm_datum_rlbty_cd

coll_ent_cd

coll_ent_cd

medium_cd

medium_cd

--

tu_id

--

body_part_id

parameter_cd

parm_cd (column name changed)

remark_cd

remark_cd

result_va

result_va

--

val_qual_tx

meth_cd

meth_cd

anl_stat_cd

--

anl_src_cd

--

hyd_cond_cd

--

samp_type_cd

--

hyd_event_cd

--

--

dqi_cd

--

rpt_lev_va

--

rpt_lev_cd

--

lab_std_va

anl_ent_cd

anl_ent_cd

Output-column changes for retrieval of water-quality results where each row represents one sample, specified by URL argument: "&qw_sample_wide=wide", are summarized in the table below.

Previous version

New version

agency_cd

agency_cd

site_no

site_no

sample_dt

sample_dt

sample_tm

sample_tm

--

sample_end_dt

--

sample_end_tm

--

sample_start_time_datum_cd

--

tm_datum_rlbty_cd

--

tu_id

--

body_part_id

coll_ent_cd

coll_ent_cd

medium_cd

medium_cd

p00001

p00001

p00002

p00002

p00003

p00003

...

...

Additional columns can be obtained in either the sample-based or the result-based layout of water-quality data by specifying the URL argument: "&rdb_qw_attributes=expanded". Information about the expanded attributes is listed in a table here. Retrieved date and time previously have been expressed in the local time zone of the sample collector, and continue to be expressed in local time by default. The expression of date and time can be converted to Universal Coordinated Time using the URL argument: "&TZoutput=inUTC".PLEASE Note: The use of UTC element is only available in Water Quality Data output.

Parameter Code Definitions

Available Formats

HTML

All parameter codes that match query are presented in a HTML table.

Tab-separated data file (display in browser)

All parameter codes that match query are presented in a tab-separated data file.

Tab-separated data file (compressed)

All parameter codes that match query are presented in a compressed tab-separated data file. gunzip or winzip programs will be able to uncompress it

Tab-separated data file (uncompressed)

All parameter codes that match query are presented in a tab-separated data file and you are prompted to save it to your hard drive

Water Use

Additional Links:

HTML

National table: Sortable HTML chart with years across the horizontal axis (columns) and categories on the vertical axis including legend.

State table: Sortable HTML chart with categories across the horizontal axis (columns) and state/county/years on the vertical axis including legend.

This chart provides a conceptual picture of the changes in water-use categories between compilations.

Tab-separated data

National table: Tab-separated table with years across the horizontal axis (columns) and categories on the vertical axis including legend.

State table: Tab-separated table with categories across the horizontal axis (columns) and state/county/years on the vertical axis including legend.

This chart provides a conceptual picture of the changes in water-use categories between compilations.

Statistics

Date ranges

You can select a period of interest by entering the start month and year in the first text box, and an end month and year in the second text box. The year and month must be entered in the format YYYY-MM, ex: 2014-02 for February 2014. This option may be of interest if you want to calculate statistics for a narrower period than the period of record for the site and parameter. By default the full period of approved record is used.

Use incomplete data

If checked, statistics are generated even if there is incomplete data. By default if there is any missing data over the range of the statistics wanted then the information is left blank. This can happen for various reasons including there was a technical problem with the gage or the gage was ice affected for part of the time period and data was not estimated. Note that some statistics require a minimum number of values. For example, to generate a median statistic at least three values are needed. At least ten values in the month are required to compute a percentile statistics.

Table of monthly means

If this radio button is selected, a web page will appear for the selected parameters and sites with calculated monthly means appearing in a table of columns and rows. Months where there is an approved period of record for the entire month will contain the mean (average) in the table for the year and month.

Tab-separated data

If this radio button is selected, a tab-delimited file of statistical data will be generated which will be sent to your computer (downloaded) by default. You can specify the output format for dates in the file using the drop down select control. You can also specify whether the file should appear on the screen rather than be downloaded or, if downloaded, whether it should be a file of plain text or whether the text should be compressed in a UNIX gzip format. If you download in a gzip format, you will need a program that can uncompress gzip data to use the data.